AusBonsai

As we are in the midst of a terrible fire season ,I thought I would post up a survivor. This come from a mates farm down Milton way ,fires struck in 2013.I was lucky enough to be down with him as he putting in new roads,a few came home with me. There was a small amount of growth on the trunk and major branch ,has been slowly nursed back to health and finally made it into a pot.
Always unsure about front ,wanted to use the font with the burnt out section of the trunk ,however the major branch moves a little forward as it leaves the trunk. Not being a stickler for rules I worked it this way. Lucky for me the back also came together [front 2 ].
The little Trunk/branch at the base was a late inclusion .. Two bonsai mates have seen the tree ,one loved it ,the other volunteered to cut it of for me. Also this Tree is very very , slow to put on grow at the apex. Unsure why as all my others grow evenly.
Opinions ,ideas as always greatly appreciated. Cheers John.

A picture of the trunk I forgot to post.. Woops.

I think the tree is trying to tell you something then.
I hate to sound like the typical response, but I feel this particular one would actually look more natural being short, rather than tall. And I’d jin the remainder of the top cut down, or leave a stump and let it heal over to look natural and bumpy.

boom64 wrote: ↑January 31st, 2020, 8:29 pm Always unsure about front ,wanted to use the font with the burnt out section of the trunk ,however the major branch moves a little forward as it leaves the trunk. Not being a stickler for rules I worked it this way. Lucky for me the back also came together [front 2 ].
The little Trunk/branch at the base was a late inclusion .. Two bonsai mates have seen the tree ,one loved it ,the other volunteered to cut it of for me

I like the front you have chosen, it tells the story of the tree, and I like the little trunk as well. It would be a natural reaction to the trauma it has survived.

Hey John,

From the distance that I view your collection, you are able to create (or maintain) the rugged, brutal nature of collected natives like few others. Trust your gut.

As you've asked for thoughts - here are some. As noted by PWC - there's a story in this tree that deserves to be maintained - perhaps that new little tree at the front represents the future with that straight, stark first primary branch represents a rough past. Also I agree with Rory about the potential to shorten but there's something strong and defiant about the straight up nature of the existing photos too.

Perhaps there's a story in this tilt below... the tree is still standing, albeit a tad broken (with a jin) and that new front trunk becomes the protector or beacon of hope powering the future and protecting that past... . I find it interesting too that the the old branch has a 'family' of branches too - perhaps too that the old branch could be bent a little toward the front such that the two youngest members of that family are coming towards the viewer, welcoming the help and the future... perhaps the new growth/protector is the oldest sibling taking charge ....

Apologies if that story is a bit OTT...

I find this tree fascinating; I've clicked into this thread about four times just to look at your initial photos. My first thoughts were to cut it back hard as Rory suggested but it's really grown on me (sorry) in it's current form.

It's prolly got some sort of blockage in the live veins heading to the top, which is stopping it from growing well up there. We all know about cholesterol problems in humans, it's possible that something similar can affect trees? Who knows...

Personally, I'm always looking for the smaller tree without too many straight bits, so it'd be off with it's head for me too, but that's me. You do have a huge talent with finding amazing shapes in your trees, John. Looking forward to seeing which direction you go with this one.

Nice , it does look like a fire survivor . It could do with a different pot in time , something that echos the history and shallower to emphasise the height .

Looks fantastic as is John and photo 1 for my front.

cheers Anthony

Yes ... it’s a tree to keep coming back too - there’s something rough and striking about a it’s current form... I’m torn between my earlier thoughts and just leaving a good thing be.... ... it’s a good problem to have John.


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Interesting Rory ,never thought of that angle. Reminds me of one of Pups sayings ",look for the smallest tree within ."
Mark ,as always love your insight.
Big thanks Greg, Mel ,Craig and Anthony appreciate the feedback. I really need to get some more pots ,will have to talk to the boss about that. Cheers John.